Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery • Dr. Raymond J. Haigney II • 9727 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 (704) 987-3132

9727 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 (704) 987-3132

Benefits of Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are used to improve the appearance of your skin. A chemical solution is applied to the skin which ultimately makes it blister and peel off. The new skin is typically smoother and has a smoother and more youthful appearance.

A chemical peel can be performed on your face, neck, or hands with the following goals:

  • Reduce fine lines under the eyes and near the mouth
  • Treat wrinkles from aging and sun damage
  • Improve the appearance of mild scars
  • Treat some types of acne
  • Reduce aging spots, freckles, and dark patches from pregnancy or birth control
  • Improve the overall appearance and feeling of the skin

Following a chemical peel, the skin is temporarily more sensitive to the sun. It is important to wear sunscreen daily. The sun screen should be "broad-spectrum", meaning it protects against UVA and UVB rays and be at least SPF 30 or higher. Limit time spent in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Patients should wear a wide-brimmed hat to help protect your face from the harmful sun rays.

Chemical Peel Candidates

Generally, patients with fair-skin and lighter-hair are better candidates for chemical peels. Patients with darker skin can also have good results, but are also more likely to have an uneven skin tone after the procedure.

Chemical peels do not work well to treat sagging skin, bulges, and severe wrinkles. Other cosmetic surgical procedures such as laser resurfacing, a facelift, brow lift, eyelid lift, or soft tissue filler may work better for these conditions. Schedule an appointment with a dermatologic surgeon to discuss the best type of treatment for your skin.

Chemical Peel Procedure

Chemical peels can be performed in a doctor's office or in a surgical center. The procedure is considered outpatient so you will be able to go home the same day.

Your skin will be cleansed thoroughly before the procedure begins. The doctor will then apply at least once chemical solutions such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid or phenol. The chemical will be applied to small areas of your skin. A controlled wound is created where the new skin will regrow.

Most people feel a burning sensation during the procedure which should only last five to ten minutes. This is followed by a stinging sensation. A cool compresses can be placed on the skin to help ease the discomfort. A pain medication may be used for a deeper peel.

Chemical Peel Recovery

Depending upon the type of chemical peel you receive (light, medium or deep), your skin will react in a similar way to a sunburn. The peeling usually involves redness which is followed by scaling which usually lasts for a few days to a week. Mild peels can be repeated after two to five weeks to maintain your desired results.

Medium and deep chemical peels may result in some swelling or blisters which can break, crust, turn brown, and peel off. This process usually takes place over one to two weeks. Medium peels can be repeated after three to nine months. Deep peels should only be performed once.

It is important to avoid or protect your new skin from the sun for several months after a chemical peel as the skin is quite fragile.

Potential Complications

People with a darker skin tone are more likely to develop a temporary or permanent color change following a chemical peel. There is also a low change of scarring some areas of the face. If scarring does occur, it is typically treated using antibiotics or a steroid.

For people who have a history of herpes outbreaks, there is a minor risk of reactivating cold sores. Your doctor can prescribe a medication to help prevent or treat the cold sores.

More on Chemical Peels : How Long Do Chemical Peels Last?

 

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Patient Testimonial

"Words cannot express enough, how wonderful, caring and professional Dr. Haigney and his staff are! After being rushed to the Huntersville hospital with an orbital fracture, broken nose and other facial damage, Dr. Haigney rushed me into surgery (on his day off I must add) and corrected all my problems. I only wish all doctors cared as much about their patients and their recovery as Dr. Haigney and his staff did. Thank you so much for everything! Your attention and compassion has helped me make my recovery as comfortable as possible. 5 star service!"